Kensington Swan's view on aspects of the construction industry

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Monthly Archives: November 2014

China has experienced an exponential economic boom in the past decade, with an annual GDP increase of 7-10% since 2005. Much of China’s economic growth is attributed to the significant investment in new infrastructure. China has recently pledged an initial investment of $50billion towards its next ambition: the ‘Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’ (AIIB). However, there…

For years the case has been that New Zealand has been suffering a ‘brain drain’, with many of its qualified workforce choosing to emigrate across the ditch to pursue warmer climates and (generally) higher wages in Australia. Now with New Zealand’s recent positive economic growth, the increased demand for workers in the Christchurch rebuild, and…

Further to our previous article reporting that construction costs are accelerating at the fastest pace since the mid-2000s, Business Day reports that by the end of next year, construction costs in Christchurch will have risen another 7.1%, compared to a rise of 5.6% in Auckland and 4.1% in Wellington.

The world second biggest cladding manufacturer, Knauf Plasterboard, is reviewing its New Zealand operations. Although further comment on the review has not been given the review follows the recent resignation of the managing director of Knauf Plasterboard Australia, Mark Norris, and reports that the head of the local plasterboard unit, John Russ, has also resigned…

As is occurring within several traditionally male-dominated sectors, the number of women in the construction industry is increasing across a range of disciplines – builders, civil contractors, engineers, labourers, project managers, quantity surveyors, architects, lawyers, company managers, board members, and owners. See the National Association of Women in Construction http://www.nawic.org.nz. The increase in numbers is…

This week the New Zealand Herald reported that an Auckland Council IT project called NewCore faces a massive budget blowout, possibly up to a total cost of $140 – $170 million. This is up to $100 million higher than the $71 million budget approved two years ago.

The size and complexity of the Canterbury rebuild has led to a number of new technologies being used in a number of projects. One of those, prefabricated off-site construction reduces the duration of construction for houses and also increases the quality as all components are fabricated off site in the controlled environment of a factory.…

The Government has previously said that it will fund the city rail link in 2020. Despite this the Transport Agency has recommended the Government consider funding some of the project earlier than this. The Council has budgeted $250K to allow the work to coincide with the redevelopment of a shopping centre and to ensure the…

Whanganui is currently experiencing a construction boom, despite its classification earlier this year as a ‘zombie town’. The term, coined by Shamubeel Eaqub of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, describes small towns whose economies are struggling due to declining populations, and rationalisation of company operations. The exodus of people, particularly youth, conversely contributes…

On 30 September 2014 the first stage of the East West Link project in Melbourne was awarded after signing contracts with winning consortium East West Connect. East West Connect will operate and maintain the road on behalf of the Victorian Government for 25 years after construction. The key highlights include: 6.6 kilometres of new freeway…